Guard fears for life, won't sue Mindanao lawmaker

MANILA, Philippines - The security guard who was allegedly beaten up by a Mindanao congressman will no longer press charges against the latter, saying he fears for his life.

Ricardo Bonayog was supposed to file a case against Lanao del Sur Rep. Mohammed Hussein Pangandaman before the Commission of Human Rights (CHR) office in Quezon City but he never showed up.

CHR Commissioner Norberto de la Cruz said they cannot pursue a case against Pangandaman if his alleged victim is not willing to testify. He added that if Bonayog changes his mind, “We will be ready to assist him.”

Bonayog said in a radio interview that he will not file charges because he fears for his life and that of his family since he will go up against an influential person. He clarified that no one has threatened him or any member of his family.

He claimed that Pangandaman punched him twice in the face after the lawmaker refused to let Bonayog inspect his Porsche Carrera at the Ayala Technohub in Diliman, Quezon City.

Pangandaman claimed he just hit the guard with pieces of paper after Bonayog appeared to be drawing his service firearm.